UMUVUZANDURU
Senior Member
- Aug 4, 2026
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Abiy Ahmed Ali's regime drone strike kills five in Zana, TDF retreats toward Tembien as over 21 weapons depots are seized across Tigray
On October 25th, 2026, significant military developments were reported across Northwestern and Central Tigray, including a deadly federal drone strike in Zana Woreda, the withdrawal of Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) from several strategic positions, armed clashes near Hawzen Town, and a five-day surrender ultimatum issued by the Tigray Peace Force in Mekelle.
Northwestern Tigray – Zana Woreda
During the late morning hours of October 25th, a regime drone strike targeted a vehicle in Zana Woreda, killing all five occupants. The identities of those killed remain undetermined, including whether they were TDF personnel or civilians.
Following the strike, TDF units reportedly withdrew from strategic positions in Zana, Ade, Semama and Goro, retreating toward the Tembien area. The withdrawal occurred amid military pressure involving the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), federal drone operations and the Tigray Peace Force.
Separately, reports indicated that more than 21 underground military weapons depots and caves had been seized across Tigray over the preceding month. The facilities reportedly contained long- and medium-range drones, loitering munitions, short- and medium-range missiles, guided rockets and other military equipment.
Central Tigray – Hawzen and Mekelle
On October 25th, armed clashes were also reported on the outskirts of Hawzen Town, where TDF fighters reportedly ambushed ENDF infantry units. The confrontation resulted in fighting between the two forces, although casualty figures and the extent of equipment losses remain unknown.
Meanwhile, significant military and administrative developments were reported in Mekelle, where the former TDF central office was redesignated as the “Peace and Security Bureau,” with existing signage removed from the premises.
Colonel Solomon Hailemariam of the Tigray Peace Force issued a five-day ultimatum ordering TDF combatants to report to their respective local police stations and surrender. The ultimatum followed statements attributed to TDF leaders calling for a shift toward mobile guerrilla warfare in response to ongoing military operations.
On October 25th, 2026, significant military developments were reported across Northwestern and Central Tigray, including a deadly federal drone strike in Zana Woreda, the withdrawal of Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) from several strategic positions, armed clashes near Hawzen Town, and a five-day surrender ultimatum issued by the Tigray Peace Force in Mekelle.
Northwestern Tigray – Zana Woreda
During the late morning hours of October 25th, a regime drone strike targeted a vehicle in Zana Woreda, killing all five occupants. The identities of those killed remain undetermined, including whether they were TDF personnel or civilians.
Following the strike, TDF units reportedly withdrew from strategic positions in Zana, Ade, Semama and Goro, retreating toward the Tembien area. The withdrawal occurred amid military pressure involving the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), federal drone operations and the Tigray Peace Force.
Separately, reports indicated that more than 21 underground military weapons depots and caves had been seized across Tigray over the preceding month. The facilities reportedly contained long- and medium-range drones, loitering munitions, short- and medium-range missiles, guided rockets and other military equipment.
Central Tigray – Hawzen and Mekelle
On October 25th, armed clashes were also reported on the outskirts of Hawzen Town, where TDF fighters reportedly ambushed ENDF infantry units. The confrontation resulted in fighting between the two forces, although casualty figures and the extent of equipment losses remain unknown.
Meanwhile, significant military and administrative developments were reported in Mekelle, where the former TDF central office was redesignated as the “Peace and Security Bureau,” with existing signage removed from the premises.
Colonel Solomon Hailemariam of the Tigray Peace Force issued a five-day ultimatum ordering TDF combatants to report to their respective local police stations and surrender. The ultimatum followed statements attributed to TDF leaders calling for a shift toward mobile guerrilla warfare in response to ongoing military operations.
